Alto do Malhão
Category 35.8 km
Distance
310 m
Elevation Gain
5.3%
Average Gradient
10%
Max Gradient
A regular fixture on the Volta ao Algarve and the defining climb of the eastern Algarve interior. The ascent from São Brás de Alportel climbs through limestone scrubland on roads with almost no traffic. The gradient is consistent and manageable, making it ideal for threshold efforts. Pros have crested this summit at race pace for decades — Chris Froome won here in 2013 on his way to overall Volta ao Algarve victory. The views south across the coastal plain to the Atlantic are exceptional on clear days.
Pro Tip
Combine with the descent to Loulé and a café stop before returning via São Brás for a perfectly structured 80km training loop from Faro or Almancil. Road surface is smooth throughout with very little traffic even in high tourist season.
Part of
Cycling in Algarve